Epic trails, expert guides, & luxury stays
Imagine waking up to crisp mountain air, breathtaking alpine views, and the promise of an unforgettable day on the trails—without sacrificing comfort. I have a 6-day guided hiking adventure through the Swiss Alps, designed for travelers who crave both thrilling outdoor exploration and indulgent relaxation.
With expert guides leading the way, you’ll hike through some of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes—think rolling meadows, dramatic peaks, and charming villages. Each day offers customizable hiking options tailored to your pace and preferences, ensuring the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. And after a day of adventure? Unwind in handpicked luxury accommodations, where you’ll be treated to world-class hospitality, spa options, and gourmet dining.
This journey includes most of your meals, breathtaking trails, and plenty of time to soak in the scenery at your own pace. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for an active yet indulgent getaway, this trip promises the best of both worlds.
Day 1: Meet in Interlaken, Switzerland
Meeting Location: Interlaken Ost (East) train station in Interlaken, Switzerland
A gondola ride up to Sillerenbühl station takes you to the Wildflower Trail, which you follow to Hahnenmoos Pass. Here, admire breathtaking views of the Adelboden and Lenk Valleys.
Then descend past small cheese huts and a babbling brook to Geils, where a local bus or Trotti bike (a two-wheeled push scooter) returns you to Adelboden.
Day 2: Gemmi Pass Hike
To reach the trail, you shuttle to gorgeous Kandersteg, known for abundant wildflowers and Simmental cattle, which can be seen munching on the lush grass of mountain pastures.
Just past the center of Kandersteg, arrive at the Sunnbüel cable car, which whisks you up to 6,300 feet. Then head out on a gradual uphill along a wide path through the Spittel Valley, passing the shimmering glacier-fed Daubensee lake. Dwarfed by the surrounding Bernese Alps, make your way up to Gemmi Pass (7,600 feet), where on a clear day you're treated to views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, Switzerland's highest peak at 15,200 feet.
Eat lunch on the trail, and then take another cable car down to the town of Leukerbad, the largest thermal center in Switzerland, where picturesque narrow streets are lined with old chalets, shops and cafés. Stay in the Leukerbad hotel for 2 nights.
Day 3: Dala Valley
Be prepared to cross patches of snow and ice during today's challenging hike—jaw-dropping views are ample reward for your efforts. Start your journey in the Dala Valley with a walk along a trail built into the side of a thermal gorge.
Cross the canyon on a high suspension bridge, admiring a thundering waterfall. (Although the fixed bridge is very stable and doesn't swing, keep in mind that you can always opt to hike around the bridge.)
Meet a local cheese maker who will demonstrate the age-old cheese making process. Sample some cheeses with lunch. Continue up the valley to a hidden chapel built into the mountain, before returning to Leukerbad. Have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Zermatt
Take a bus down to Leuk and catch a scenic train to the picturesque car-free village of Zermatt, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Upon arriving, hike into the Zmutt Valley along a rugged mountainside footpath past traditional huts and hamlets. In the village of Zmutt, check out the unique stilt homes built in the traditional local style, some of them over 500 years old!
Savor lunch at a mountain hut which serves up rustic and delicious local fare. Return to Zermatt on food or by gondola. Have dinner on your own at one of several excellent restaurants.
Day 5: Gornergrat
This morning take the Gornergrat Railway partway up the mountain before hiking along a steep, well-manicured trail overlooking Zermatt.
The trail ascends to the top of Gornergrat, a spectacular ridge. Look down upon the
bright blue pools and seemingly bottomless crevasses of the Gornergletscher, a glacier surrounded by the impressive peaks of Klein Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Breithorn.
Eat lunch up here, and listen to see if you can hear the glaciers moaning and grumbling with movement. After lunch, have a chance to either hike or take a cog railway train to the summit.
Then return to Zermatt for some R&R. This is the final evening together, so enjoy a farewell reception and dinner with the group.
Day 6: Say goodbye
After breakfast, you can either enjoy a leisurely morning, or take one final hike to a mountain hut for views overlooking Zermatt hiking up to a mountain hut for views overlooking Zermatt and the surrounding peaks.
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the beautiful Swiss mountains and valleys, departing from the train station at Zermatt.
Included in this trip:
Two leaders providing excellent trail support, allowing everyone to have the experience they want, whether it's an easygoing interpretative walk or a rigorous hike
All breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners
Be prepared for some amazing scenery and uneven mountain paths
5 nights of accommodations
All transportation during the trip (buses, trains, gondola rides)
If you’re craving a chance to not just visit Switzerland, but actually experience it, then this might be the perfect trip for you. It’s a fantastic combination of adventure and luxury, all on your terms, in the beautiful landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Let me know if I can help you get there.
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